5 Signs You May Be In An Abusive Relationship

No one wants to entertain the idea of their partner being physically or emotionally abusive. But according to research published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, there's no universal motivator for partner abuse—and taking precaution could be what helps a person survive that situation.

Researchers recruited 348 female college students to take a series of surveys and questionnaires that measured the amount of relationship conflict they've experienced in the past. The questions inquired about minor and severe acts of aggression, like pushing and kicking, sustained injuries, and emotionally abusive behavior, such as suspiciously questioning where your partner has been to belittling him/her in front of other people.

The results: 95% of participants have been emotionally abusive while 30% have been physically abusive. Why? After the inability to express themselves verbally, women resort to abuse because they're angry, retaliating for emotional hurt or just—believe it or not—stressed. This suggests that anger and stress management could be helpful in reducing partner violence, says the study.

Outside this study, the American Psychological Association (APA) finds "more than one in three women and more than one in four men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime," with interpersonal violence being the leading cause of female homicides and injury-related deaths during pregnancy.

So what's an effective course of action? Prevention, especially since abuse is a cycle and not one that is easily broken, says Ramani Durvasula, PsyD, a psychology professor at the California State University, Los Angeles and the Vice Chair of the APA's Committee on Women. "Once you give permission for a person to verbally or physically abuse you, precedent is set and communication with your partner goes out the window."

Warning signs of abuse

Partners who go in for the push or hit of any kind should set off alarm bells, says Dr. Durvasula. Same goes for insults. "If it's easy to use defamatory words in arguments, to put or undermine another person, then pay attention," she says. "It is abuse and can take a tremendous toll." Specifically, it puts a person at greater risk for depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor physical health, says the APA.

Then they're the physical signs your relationship may be taking a dangerous turn. "Destroying property during arguments, like wall punching and breaking objects, is a sign of dysregulated anger, or mood swings, that could escalate in the future," says Dr. Durvasula.

On a similar level, sex that feels coerced or forced is another cause for concern, says Dr. Durvasula. “We are reluctant to call it ‘rape’ when it’s happening within a relationship, but no means no whether you’re married, dating or anything else.”

Beyond that, control, or feeling like your partner is keeping track of your every move, is another sign of potential abuse. In which case, partners should seek help. “Such help can allow a person to establish a plan of safety,” says Dr. Durvasula. (Get the APA’s guidelines for such, here.) “Even if nothing has happened yet, you can create a plan to help stop an abusive situation before it escalates.”

If you are currently, or suspect to be, in an abusive relationship, call 911 for immediate assistance. For additional help and support, dial The National Domestic Violence Hotline at (888) 799-SAFE or The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-799-SAFE.